Complaint Review: Driver's Auto Repair #104 - Internet

I took my 1998 Ford Windstar into Drivers Auto Repair. My complaint was the rpms were sticking at 4000 and it wouldnt shift into 2nd gear. This is noted on the work order. They called to say they were able to duplicate the problem and it showed the upper and lower intake valves were faulty and needed to be replaced, along with a pvc hose assembly.

The initial quote was $900. I told them to hold off as I was deciding on whether to spend money on repairs or put it down on a new vehicle. I called them back and spoke with Mike. I told him I had only $300 to spend and couldnt afford the repairs needed. He then said he had reevaluated the issue and I could get by with the upper gasket and pvc hose assembly and it would run $500. I asked him if it was safe to drive for a short while without repairs and he said it would eventually hurt my transmission, so I authorized the UPPER intake valve, pvc hose, and oil and air filter change.

Later, they called to say the repairs had been made, the car test driven, and everything was fine. I picked it up, paid them $500.65, and drove out. Immediately, I noticed the problem was NOT repaired at all; I turned around and told them to put the mechanic in the car with me. We drove block and he said Oh, it wasnt doing that. I need to check the transmission fluid. I said I was surprised he didnt do that in the first place, since it was a gear issue. He said he needed to put it back in the bay and take another look.

I saw him drive off with the general manager, Craig, and return a few minutes later. He said they checked the transmission fluid and it was very dark and needed to be flushed. He said they could only go by what was described when I brought the car in, and they noticed the intake valve problem when they opened the hood. I showed him on my receipt where that exact problem was written down verbatim, and asked him why they didnt check the transmission fluid first. The flush was going to be another $179 and may or may not cure the problem. I have since learned that is the worst way to solve a transmission problem and will destroy it.

Needless to say, a new transmission was needed and they wanted $2200 more. I have now contacted another mechanic and she stated the parts were not dealer parts as billed, but pieced together pieces of hose, and the work performed was not necessary. Also, the tranny flush was bad for the engine and usually caused problems.

My son-in-law went with me and we spoke with Craig. He wouldnt admit they didnt address the initial problem. I maintain they should have checked the fluid 1st before doing anything else. Instead, they did the big dollar repairs which did NOT ADDRESS the issue. Also, on the invoice they charged me for an Upper AND Lower intake valve, but I only authorized the Upper.  

I am without transportation, without funds and VISA denies me a refund since I signed the invoice. But without signing the invoice and paying, I could not get my keys. Without my keys, I couldnt drive and discover the sabotage. Catch 22 at its finest!